Modern kitchens

I know a few weeks ago I professed my love and adoration for the great Jacques Grange (that by the way, will not waver) yet I really should have mentioned that the dual first place winners for my all-time favorite interior designers is shared by Jacques, AND Jean-Louis Deniot. Both French designers, and while decorating in very different styles, they are both rare designer who’s work I find pure perfection. When I open a shelter magazine featuring one of Deniot’s recent projects, I know I am in for a visual feast & become a very happy girl! His style is rich in history, mixing different period pieces with choice modern ones, all with a common thread of beauty and precision. While commonly working with a palette of warm grey’s, creams and metallics, Deniot and his team seem to be painstakingly thorough in every detail of a project, bringing the meaning of a “polished interior” to a whole new level. I truly believe while Jacques and Deniot approach design differently, the quality of their work, as well as the tailored, refined and interesting objects and furnishings they choose, make them stand out, while their work does all the talking… See for yourself below and let me know what you think. Pictured below, Jean-Louis Deniot’s Paris apartment.

Deniot’s own Parisian apartment I find so chic and welcoming. I love the low slung shelving and display area, leaving a large portion of the incredible wall treatment to be center stage. The walls and ceiling painted by Mathias Kiss, to imitate the sky.

I’ve been eyeing this coffee table, in the dining table version, by Ado Chale, since spotting it at my very first Armory Winter Antique show several years ago… Love at first sight.

And this kitchen, with hammered silver cupboards is about the most luxurious kitchen possible, reminding me of a jewelry box.

This intimate dining area has so many interesting design elements, yet feels very calming with its repetition of colors and organic shapes. The Roger Thibier table is an absolute dream with it’s curved bronze legs and sleek oval top.

These rooms (above and below) have such movement with the use of disparate textures & stripes, while the metallic reflective surfaces pass the light around the room beautifully…

This large stripe used in the bathroom isn’t quite for me, I crave a much more soothing, spa-like spareness in this area of the home, yet for a guest bath, which this is, i think it’s fun…

As stated on Belle magazine’s website: “For almost 40 years, Belle has delivered the best in Australian and international interior design and decoration. Published six times a year, Belle takes a lively, informed and contemporary view on design, showcasing beautiful homes in Australia and overseas and bringing readers all the news and trends in interior design, architecture, gardens, art, furniture, home accessories, fabrics and luxury goods. Even Belle’s food and travel section has a unique design focus. The magazine’s discerning and affluent audience appreciates that if it’s inBelle, they need to know about it.”

I personally find this publication to be one of the best examples of global design, with fresh editorials and incites into what’s new for furniture, art, design and the like out there. If you dont know it, I’d definitely seek it out (I buy mine up the street at my local B&N)!

And did I mention the multiple pages of glossy accessories in each issue?!? I love that they really pull items and furnishings from around the globe, which means you are bound to discover new products and manufacturers you hadn’t heard of before. Plus, all the eye candy is super inspiring in my opinion…

Over the weekend I was asked by a friend if I would be interested in redesigning her partner’s kitchen and bathroom in a one-bedroom pre-war midtown Manhattan apartment. The details are few thus far, but the givens are that they’d like polished concrete countertops and stainless-steel accents and appliances in the kitchen. For the bathroom, they’d like to see some ideas I have with a modern, minimalist, sleek esthetic in mind. Here’s what I’ve got so far, let me know what you think…!